That particular DVD-R is kind of a disappointment. Not only is the source videotape, that was in turn taken from a TV broadcast. So the image is several generations removed from an actual print, with the corresponding loss of detail. As it happens, though, the film isn't all that good anyway, so it's not one I'm going to be rewatching much. I am glad to have seen it once, however.

My copy of The Locket from the same vendor was much better (sourced directly from a TV broadcast I think), and since that's a real corker of a film, I'm glad matters fell out as they did.

Now I'm waiting for DVD-R of I, The Jury and Pitfall from that other seller linked on page 16.

That's what you get, Drink, for not appreciating the genius of When You Read This Letter.

Violent Saturday, which, as far as I know, is not available on a legit DVD anywhere, is available for free streaming at Hulu. It may not be everyone's definition of a noir, though (widescreen, in color). Still, it does have Lee Marvin . . . http://www.hulu.com/watch/50978/violent-saturday

That's what you get, Drink, for not appreciating the genius of When You Read This Letter.

The Big Combo (1955) - 8/10I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. The cinematography is great and shadow-rich, though the transfer I saw was bad. A major con is that none of the characters is very interesting. Lee Van Cleef has a supporting role.

These all appear to be public domain films, many of them available in R1 in sub-standard editions. It would be nice to get new and improved transfers of these titles, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I've already got a cheapo version of Woman on the Run (a solid film, btw) and wouldn't mind an upgrade. My guess, though, is that these won't be all that impressive.

That's what you get, Drink, for not appreciating the genius of When You Read This Letter.

Call Northside 777 - This is one of the few cases where my initial judgment of a molvie must be revised. I remembered this as a taut, gritty suspense movie, instead is good only until Conte takes the truth test. After that it becomes verbose, overstretched and goofy (this happens when technology is made the protagonist). Actors under par, actresses good. 5\10

Thieves Market - Interesting and unusual plot. The main dish of the movie is sexy Valentina Cortese, in spite of her terrible hair-do which cannot hide her being miscast: in spite of that, no surprise Conte (very good in this movie) leaves insipid Barbara Lawrence for her. Cobb does his homework. 7\10